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Elizabeth Ramsey Cooper-Golden

Madison Alabama Clifts Cove Subdivision

cliftscovesign.jpg Clifts Cove in one of the more upscale neighborhoods in the Huntsville/Madison Real Estate area with estate homes ranging in price from $500k to multi-million dollar estates.Clifts Cove is located within the city limits of Madison and supported by the public school system with Discovery Middle School and Alabama's top rated Bob Jones High School.

The community's design is centered on persevering and enhancing its natural surroundings, and as such it is nestled in the wooded hillsides adjacent to Madison's Rainbow Mountain Greenway & Trails. Every effort has been made to preserve and enhance the natural surroundings of the subdivision. Thus the community entrance off of Hughes Road, two city blocks from Discovery Middle and Bob Jones High Schools, has two small man-made lakes and two other larger lakes have been built internally within the neighborhood. The views from many of the homes in Clifts Cove are amazing!

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One of course would expect an active Home Owners Association (HOA) within a neighborhood such as Clift's Cove and that is exactly what you will find. Special events such as their Summer Extravaganza with hot air balloon rides, along with pool parties, Easter egg hunts, community events and meetings in the commonly owned Clift House are common place. The current HOA membership fees for the neighborhood are ~$600 per year.

The current market is currently biased toward the buyer, with 21 properties currently on the market. In the past twelve months 15 homes have sold at ~5% below initial listing price. Heading into the winter seasonal months the absorption rate inventory calculated with one home sale per month over the next 6 months would indicate a current supply of 21 months. Thus this winter may be an ideal time to buy into this premier neighborhood! A link to the currently active listings is provided below:

Clifts Cove Subdivision Homes | Real Estate Search Results

My mouth was watering! Connors Steak and Seafood, Huntsville Alabama

My family loves good food. We are all big meat lovers, with Steak being our top choice.  My husband and daughter are both big seafood lovers as well. 

We love to venture out as a family and try new restaurants. As for a good Steak house, we have had a hard time finding one we all love, that is affordable.  Part of the problem could be that Tim, my husband, knows how to cook a superb steak on grill. He has the magic touch!

Our last few outings have been less than exciting.   We decided to try Connors Steak and Seafood, located at Bridge Street Towne Center here in Huntsville.  Am I ever glad we did!  We were told from many, how wonderful the food and service was.  In fact, I have never heard a negative thing about Connors Steak and Seafood, come to think of it.  Now I know why!  We were not mislead.  We went early, Friday, before the work crowds arrived.  Trust me, when I say crowds. Obviously, Connors is not a well kept secret.

Connors Steak and Seafood hails from Knoxville Tennessee.  Huntsville is proud to be the home of their third location.  In doing so, it does not have that "in the box chain feel".  I can say it is a local favorite!

We were greeted by two smiling and very friendly hostess's, who quickly led us to our seats.  Connors has a wonderful ambiance.  From the stoned fireplaces, to the beamed ceilings, I found it to be very charming. 

Lori was our server.  Lori had a wonderful smile and an even better attitude!  She was more than happy to share her vast knowledge of the menu, from the wonderful wine list, to our discussion on the various cuts of meat they offer.  Lori helped make our dining experience at Connors one of the best we have had in a long time.  She steered us down the right road, from the Lobster dip as our appetizer, to our fabulous dinners!  When you visit Connors, be sure to try the Lobster dip. Oh my goodness. It was "to die for"! 

When choosing our dinner, we all decided to try three different cuts. After fighting over the last bit of Lobster dip, our salads arrived.  I chose the House Salad which had grape tomatoes, carrots, egg, bacon & almonds. It was good, but just a salad.  My daughter chose the Caesar salad. It was very good.  Hubby Tim chose the Baby Spinach and Strawberry salad that Lori recommended.  I can honestly say that was the best salad I have ever had.  I loved it, as did my husband!  I was begging for a few more bites, believe me! 

For our entrees, I chose the 9 0z. Boursin Filet (9 oz) topped with homemade seasoned Boursin cheese & tobacco onions. I also had the Homemade Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes, again with Lori guiding me.  What a mouthwatering combination!  My Filet was melting in my mouth. I am a mashed potato lover and these were the best! 

Tim chose the Connors Prime Rib (8, 12 oz) seasoned & slow-roasted, along with Asparagus.  Again, delicious!  Tim LOVES Asparagus and is typically disappointed when he orders it out.  Not this time. Cooked to perfection, as was his Prime Rib. 

Miranda, my daughter, chose the 12 oz. Ribeye.  For her side, she had the fresh steamed Broccoli.  She enjoyed her Ribeye, but kept begging for more of MY Filet, and just "one more bite" of her Dad's Prime Rib!  I think next time she is going for the Prime Rib.  Neither of her parents were very cooperative when it came to food sharing this time!  It was just too darned good!  I had a hard enough time trying to share the Lobster dip for goodness sake!

Dinner for the three of us: $91 before tip.

Sadly, we were all FAR too full to even consider dessert.  Their dessert list looks delicious but all of us were just stuffed, from the fabulous dinner we all experienced.

My recommendation is "You MUST try Connors Steak and Seafood".   For the best dining experience in town, be sure to ask for Lori!  You will not be disappointed.  Welcome to Huntsville, Connors Steak and Seafood!  We are glad you are here!

Be sure to visit their web site where you can view the menu: http://www.thechophouse.com/connors_index.html

 

2008 Fall Parade of Homes Huntsville Alabama

Welcome to the Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association's Parade of Homes.

It is time for the annual Fall Parade of Homes here in Madison County, Alabama! Be prepared to be awed. With over 109 Homes entered into the parade, there is something for everyone. This is a chance for the areas builders to "Strut Their Stuff"!

The 2008 Madison County Parade of Homes is scheduled for Saturday, Sunday & Monday, October 11 - 13, 2008 and Saturday & Sunday, October 18 - 19, 2008. Homes are open to the public from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for viewing.

The Parade of Homes is featuring four different "Villages"(sites that offer 3 or more homes in one location). The 2008 Showcase Home is located at 6 Hope Street in the Village of Providence Subdivision in the city of Huntsville. The Showcase homes are always one of my favorites and this years Showcase home was very impressive!

The 2008 Showcase Homeis a classic Italianate country villas style. Once inside, the home continues the Italian Villa feel, featuring granite, stone and marble used on floors and walls. Hand scraped wood flooring, along with textured walls, murals and faux finishes will make you feel as if you are surrounded by warmth! The kitchen in the Showcase home is to die for, as is the outdoor living area! Make sure to put this home on your must see list!

Whether looking for starter homes or upscale homes, there is something for everyone to see this year. For more information, including maps, here is a link to the Parade website: http://www.madisoncountyparadeofhomes.com/pages.php?page=04/09/02/5735543

The weather is great, so get out and see what our Huntsville home builders have to offer up this year. I'm sure you will be impressed. Enjoy!

www.NorthernAlabamaHomes.com

Parks in Madison Alabama. What a great life!

If you enjoy the outdoors, you will love Madison Alabama.  Madison is a family oriented community and goes above and beyond to keep the focus on family. Madison is home to an amazing Parks  and Recreation system, with Dublin Park and Palmer Park being two of the largest.  There are currently 33 parks in this thriving community.  You will find smaller parks dotted in neighborhoods where you would least expect one, making it a wonderful surprise to find!

At Palmer Park, you will find a special playground for the handicapped. No longer will these children feel left out.  Much thought went into planning this for our special needs children and adults alike.  There are swings that enable those that are wheelchair bound to  enjoy the experience of being "free" while feeling the wind blow through their hair.  The goal here in Madison is to make sure all 33 parks are eventually ADA approved.   One such park, located at Windsor Park, even has wheelchair ramps for those with special needs and a special mulch system, making it easier for wheelchairs to maneuver.  I am proud to live in Madison, knowing that we are allowing those with special needs the opportunity to enjoy lifes simple pleasures!                                           

Palmer Park is also home to two lighted football fields, thirteen baseball fields, six softball fields, six soccer fields, and batting cages.  You will also find some beautiful views from atop Palmer Park. Palmer Park sits upon 99 glorious acres.  Palmer Park is located off of Mill Road.

Madison'sDublin Park is conveniently located off of Old Madison Pike and sits upon 66 acres.  When pulling into the park, you will see the fountain in the lake and you'll know you have found it! The Dublin Memorial Park Facility includes an outdoor swimming pool with baby and diving pools.  Inside, you will find a double court gymnasium equipped for basketball and volleyball with an upstairs walking track. Don't let the cold deter your winter swim!  Here you will find a 25-yard heated indoor swimming pool!  Dublin Park has a multi-purpose room and meeting rooms.  A walking trail, five soccer fields, a community built playground and seven tennis courts are located within the 60 acre park.  Plans for sand volleyball courts and an ampitheater are in the near future!

Kids Kingdom is located at Dublin Park.  Oh to be young again and play here.  The fenced play area will make any child smile!  Relax at one of many picnic areas near Kids Kingdom and take in the views of the city.  A child could easily spend several hours here, investigating each and every castle, hiding in a tunnel or enjoying the slides!  Watch the children run over the bridges and hearing their laughter!

With fall fast approaching and the summer heat on it's way out, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your day at one of our many parks here in Madison Alabama. You deserve it!

Huntsville Alabama rates in the Top 10 Best Performing Cities!

Huntsville Alabama continually ranks in the top cities to live. Last week, we gained yet another top ten feather in our cap!

Milken Institute has just released their 2008 Report on the Best Performing Cities where America's Jobs are created and sustained.

The Huntsville Metro Area has moved up from 16th in the 2007 report to 5th in 2008. The report credits a broad rebound in the Technology Sector along with Exports and Energy production as the cause of a dramatic change in the top 10 cities.

Several metro areas that have dominated the rankings in recent years have fell due to sharp declines in their construction and housing industry such as Florida, California, and Nevada. The lowest performers this year were again from the industrial Midwest sometimes called the rust belt. While 2008 has not been a peak sales year for Huntsville Real Estate, prices have remained strong and stable.

The top ten and their previous year rank:

  1. Provo-Orem, Utah (8)
  2. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina (10)
  3. Salt Lake City, Utah (18)
  4. Austin-Round Rock, Texas (20)
  5. Huntsville, Alabama (16)
  6. Wilmington, North Carolina (2)
  7. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas (7)
  8. Tacoma, Washington (50)
  9. Olympia, Washington (37)
  10. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina (12)

The full report can be obtained at the Milken Institute website for further reading.

The Huntsville Real Estate market has managed to escape the "down spiral" as many cities have experienced. We have had many years of slow steady growth, which has helped keep our housing market strong. Huntsville Alabama is a natural, when it comes to Real Estate Investments. To view Homes in Huntsville MLS, visit www.NorthernAlabamaHomes.com

To read previous market reports for Huntsville, visit my web site at www.Huntsville-Realestate.net